FCC unveils executive summary of National Broadband Plan

The Federal Communications Commission on Monday released the opening pages of its National Broadband Report, due to Congress later this week.

The executive summary (.pdf) confirms weeks of reportage and countless predictions that the agency would propose a host of sweeping and sometimes costly changes, all designed to expand broadband access to 90 percent of American households by 2020.

Among the FCC's suggestions are new competition policies, including requirements that federal officials publish broadband pricing and availability and investigate decades-old competition rules.

The agency also called on Congress to create a host of incentives that would promote "universal access" to broadband, including the establishment of two funds that would help states, federal officials and Internet companies promote high-speed broadband expansion and use.

Full details of all of the FCC's suggestions are due to Congress on Tuesday, the FCC announced on Monday.

“The National Broadband Plan is a 21st century roadmap to spur economic growth and investment, create jobs, educate our children, protect our citizens, and engage in our democracy,” said Chairman Julius Genachowski. “It’s an action plan, and action is necessary to meet the challenges of global competitiveness, and harness the power of broadband to help address so many vital national issues.”

Ultimately, the FCC said it drafted its report with six goals in mind, which the agency implored lawmakers to treat as a "compass over the next decade."

The National Broadband Plan repeats the FCC's ambitious goal of installing broadband connections of at least 100 megabits per second in 100 million American homes -- with faster connections available at "anchor institutions," like hospitals and schools, "every American community."

The plan also pushes the United States to "lead the world in mobile innovation and focus more extensively on covering areas still underserved by high-speed Internet.

The FCC also calls for the creation of a "nationwide, wireless, interoperable broadband safety network" to help first responders in national emergencies. The agency finally expresses hope that private utilities will partner with broadband firms to allow Americans to track their utility use in pursuit of a more "clean energy" driven economy.

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